Alwar Balasubramaniam

Unusual, striking, and norm-breaking are just some of the words to describe Balasubramaniam’s work. And it’s these characteristics that have made him the artist du jour.

If you’re looking for pleasant art for the living room, or watercolour daisies that remind you of Spring, Alwar Balasubramaniam hardly fits the bill. His art is about breaking the rules and creating concepts that are impossible to ignore. Alwar’s style is unique— he uses his own body to create casts and works where he can place himself in direct dialogue with his art and audiences. “I try to capture the invisible territories through sculpture, like a shadow or magnetic field. The intention is to create a moment where one becomes aware of things that exist, but usually go unnoticed.” It is this off-centreness that has put him on the map. Alwar— who works with everything from paints to Naphthalene balls—has received immense international acclaim. The New York Times wrote: “Mr Balasubramaniam is young, savvy and in the middle of a spurt of growth. It could take him anywhere, but there’s already a lot here.” Currently, his works are being showcased at a year-long solo exhibition at The Phillips Collection Museum, Washington, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary. His upcoming exhibition, Nothing From My Hands will take place at the Talwar Art Gallery, occupying its four-storied building, and promises to push the inside/outside dialogue to another dimension.